An agreement on Hajj services has been signed between the Government of the Maldives and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Maldives by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and on behalf of Saudi Arabia by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.
The agreement sets out the key principles and procedures for managing the affairs of Maldivian pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. It covers vital areas such as the payment arrangements for Hajj services, the standards and responsibilities of Maldivian Hajj service providers, and the establishment of the Maldivian Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia to oversee and facilitate the welfare of pilgrims.
This agreement is part of an annual process conducted between the two nations to ensure the smooth and effective organisation of Hajj for Maldivian pilgrims.
After signing the agreement both Ministers discussed further strengthening of ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, Minister Shaheem expressed profound gratitude for the tireless efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in enhancing the quality of Hajj and Umrah services and for his continued dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques. He also extended appreciation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and initiatives that have greatly facilitated the pilgrimage experience for Muslims around the world.
Minister Dr Shaheem further conveyed sincere thanks on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives to the Saudi leadership and government for including the Maldives in the Makkah Route Initiative, a programme that has brought significant convenience and ease to Maldivian pilgrims during their sacred journey.
The Minister also underscored that strengthening the fraternal ties between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia remains a top priority for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining and further enhancing these strong and historic relations.
Minister Shaheem acknowledged the remarkable role played by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in resolving challenges faced by Maldivian pilgrims, noting that their continued cooperation has been instrumental in improving the overall Hajj experience.
He further highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s annual Hajj and Umrah exhibition, commending it as a pioneering effort that has introduced modern and innovative approaches to Hajj management. In this regard, the Minister noted that the Maldives has also initiated a dedicated national conference on Hajj and Umrah since last year, reflecting shared goals in improving the administration of pilgrimage affairs.
In his remarks, Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah acknowledged the importance that the Maldives places on Hajj affairs and expressed his appreciation for the close collaboration between the two countries.
The official visit of Minister Dr Shaheem to Saudi Arabia is being undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.